Jewelry Care Tips

  Storage:

• When storing any form of fine jewelry from engagement rings to pearl bracelets, you want to make sure storage is not overlooked. Jewelry should never be thrown into a box together; this can result in scratches and broken gemstones.
• The box or a pouch your jewelry came in when purchased, is a perfect place to keep your jewels.
• Jewelry Boxes are a great alternative to individual smaller boxes. Individual padded slots for rings are ideal for ring and engagement ring storage. Hanging necklaces and bracelets individually is an excellent idea to avoid a tangled mess. If you do store multiple pieces in one slot, make sure to wrap each piece individually in jewelers tissue to avoid scratching.
• Soft stones such as lapis, malachite, turquoise, amber and opals can be easily scratched by the edges of other pieces of jewelry. And it is very important to make sure these pieces are stored individually and/or carefully wrapped in jeweler’s tissue.

  Cleaning:

• When cleaning your jewelry it is important to follow specific instructions for each different gemstones.
• For all gemstone jewelry, never clean with sharp or hard objects to remove dirt or particles. Always use a very soft brush or toothbrush and warm water to gently remove the excess dirt.
• Porous stones, such as Emeralds, Opals and Pearls require special attention. It is very important to never expose these stones to chemicals or solvents. Pearls can easily be scratched in cleaning, so we recommend a soft cloth to gently rub the dirt off.
• For colored gemstones, try to avoid any exposure to chemicals, solvents or an ultrasonic without knowing each stones special requirements. Many gemstones are soft and heat sensitive, exposing them to an ultrasonic heat could discolor, fracture or break the stone. When in doubt warm water and a soft toothbrush is always a safe route. Or visit GIA’s gem encyclopedia for full detail on care for each stone: http://www.gia.edu/gem-encyclopedia .
• If your jewelry is extremely dirty and has not been cleaned in a long time, it is best to have it professionally cleaned by a jeweler.
• Everyday products such as lotions, hairspray, makeup and perfume can damage your jewelry. A great rule of thumb is: The first thing to come off, when you get home, is your jewelry and the last thing you put on, before going out, is your jewelry.

  Tips:

• Avoid wearing your jewelry when doing physical activities, such as housekeeping, gardening, cooking or exercising.
• Avoid wearing your jewelry when swimming in pools, hot tubs, showering or wherever chlorine is present.
• We highly recommend having your ring and everyday jewelry professionally checked and cleaned every 6-12 months.
• If you have any questions regarding the care and maintenance of your jewelry, always feel free to reach out to us and we would love to recommend different ways to properly clean your pieces.
• J. Lewis Jewelry offers complimentary cleaning and checking for your jewelry. (Polishing and Rhodium Plating not included).